National Medical Societies' Safety Tips Prevent Lawn Mower Injuries
June is National Safety Month
CHICAGO, June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Protecting children during summer activities conjures up thoughts of bike helmets, knee pads, and sun block. However, during the summer months, mowing the lawn can be as routine for some children as riding a bike and can be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken. In fact, nearly 210,000 people -- approximately 16,200 of them children under age 19 -- were treated in doctors' offices, clinics and emergency rooms for lawn mower-related injuries in 2007, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports.
To help prevent injuries, the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (ASRM), the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have teamed up to educate parents, adults and children about the importance of lawn mower safety during National Safety Month, June 2008.
"Parents need to understand that lawnmowers can cause terrible devastating injuries to children's hands, feet or faces, which can impact the rest of their lives," said ASRM President Neil Jones, MD. "The tragedy is that most of these injuries are totally preventable by following some simple precautions."
The ASRM, AAOS, ASPS and AAP offer the following tips to help prevent
lawn mower-related injuries:
* Children should be at least 12 years old before they operate any lawn
mower, and at least 16 years old for a ride-on mower.
* Children should never be passengers on ride-on mowers.
* Always wear sturdy shoes while mowing -- not sandals.
* Young children should be at a safe distance from the area you are
mowing.
* Before mowing, pick up stones, toys and debris from the lawn to prevent
injuries from flying objects.
* Always wear ey
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| SOURCE American Society of Plastic Surgeons Copyright©2008 PR Newswire. All rights reserved |